FIRST AID

1. 5 FIRST AID TIPS IN COMMON ACCIDENTS
Animal or Human Bite
Always follow up first aid for a bite with a doctor’s visit.
Bites and animal scratches can cause serious
infections, and often need antibiotic treatment.
 Hold a clean towel or gauze pad over the
wound until it stops bleeding
 Clean the affected area with soap and water
 Cover with a clean bandage or gauze
 See a doctor as soon as possible.
Cuts and Scrapes
Cuts and scrapes are the inevitable part of an active
lifestyle, especially if you have children. In most cases,
take the following steps.
 Wash hands well
 Use a gauze pad or clean cloth to apply pressure to the
wound until bleeding stops
 Clean the affected area with cool running water or a
saline rinse
 Rinse tweezers with alcohol and remove dirt or debris
at the wound site
 Bandage the area if the wound is likely to become dirty
or rubs against the body
 Change the bandage daily, or when it gets wet or dirty,
until a solid scab forms.
Large, deep, or jagged wounds may need stitches. If the
wound continues to bleed or becomes infected, seek
medical aid.
Minor Burns
For minor burns, place the affected area under cool running water for at least
five minutes to reduce swelling. Apply a generous amount of antiseptic lotions,
antibiotic ointment or aloe vera cream to the affected area, and loosely wrap
with gauze. Do not pop blisters or use the old folk remedy of rubbing butter on
the burn. Both can lead to skin damage and infection.
Insect Stings
If someone develops a rash, swelling, or
difficulty breathing after an insect bite, they
may be going into anaphylactic shock and need emergency
assistance. For the less dangerous symptoms of an insect bite,
however, take the following steps:
 If the stinger is still in the skin, use a credit card or the dull side of a
knife to scrap it out. Do not squeeze stingers, as doing so injects more
venom into the wound
 Wash the affected area with soap and water
 Reduce swelling with an icepack or cool washcloth
 Apply calamine lotion to stop swelling. A mixture of water and baking
soda also works
 Reduce itching with antihistamine or hydrocortisone sprays or
creams.
Nosebleed
They look alarming, but nosebleeds are usually easy to
treat. Lean the affected person’s head forward slightly to
prevent blood from pouring down the throat.
Using a clean washcloth, gently press the nostrils together
and hold for five minutes. If the nosebleed continues, hold
for another five minutes. Seek medical aid if:
 The nosebleed does not stop
 Blood flows in large amounts or rapidly
 The injured party feels weak or faint
 The blood originates in a physical injury to the head or nose.